Fintiri, Mutfwang break ranks over Wike’s expulsion

Two governors of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa State and Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang of Plateau State, have openly rejected the decision of the party’s National Convention in Ibadan, which ratified the expulsion of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and nine other party leaders.

In separate statements on Saturday, the governors said they were not consulted and would not support actions capable of worsening the PDP’s internal crisis.

At the Ibadan convention, delegates approved the expulsion of Wike, former Ekiti State governor Ayodele Fayose, suspended National Secretary Senator Samuel Anyanwu, former National Legal Adviser Kamaldeen Ajibade (SAN), Senator Mao Ohuabunwa, George Turner, Hon. Umar Bature, and others.

The motion was moved by former Deputy National Chairman (South), Chief Bode George, who accused the affected members of undermining the party.

However, the fallout from the announcement has revealed deeper divisions within the PDP.

Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Fintiri, in a personally signed statement, said he “categorically dissociates” himself from the expulsion.

He described the decision as counterproductive and dangerous for the party’s future.

“I dissociate myself from the position of expelling the Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Wike, from the PDP,” he said.

“This decision is not in the best interest of the party, and I will not be party to anything that could further plunge the PDP into unending crisis.”

Fintiri urged party leaders to prioritise reconciliation, insisting that unity and peace must remain the focus as the PDP works to rebuild.

Similarly, Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang distanced himself from the decision.

His Director of Press and Public Affairs, Gyang Bere, said the matter was never discussed at the PDP Governors Forum or at any National Executive Committee meeting.

“Governor Mutfwang clarified that this subject was neither discussed by the Governors Forum nor at NEC before the motion was presented,” the statement said. “He emphasized that the proposal does not reflect his position on the matter.”

Mutfwang warned that expelling key party figures at this critical moment could derail ongoing efforts to stabilise and reposition the party.

He called for dialogue, unity, and collective responsibility in resolving the PDP’s internal issues.

The positions taken by the Adamawa and Plateau governors highlight the widening cracks within the PDP and raise fresh concerns about the party’s cohesion ahead of upcoming state and national elections.

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